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Topic: Air Layer Seperation (Read 2328 times)

Hello all,I did an air layer on an Zelcova a few months ago. I wrapped the layer w/ sphagnum moss tied w/ raffia, then added a split plastic pot filled w/ bonsai soil. Well roots are circling the pot coming out of the drainage holes.Was planning to separate this fall after summer temps cool off, but w/ the abundance of roots was wondering if I should separate the layer and slip pot into a larger container now?Thoughts?

Nothing is a bigger waste than separating a layer too soon. If there aren't enough roots, it will just die (and you will feel like an idiot ).

On the other hand, there isn't much of any downside to leaving it on the tree "too long". If you wait until at least mid-August, your explant will still have all of September and October to harden the new roots before winter - I suggest you wait until another month or so.

BTW, what's with the raffia? There's really no need. I suggest that you cut it off, but leave the spagnum insitu when you pot it this year- those new roots are very fragile! (of course, if roots are through or atop it, leave it for now). You can leave the sphagnum there 'forever' or pick it out whenever you next repot it if not next spring.

I've never done a zelcova , but have done many cedar elm. bougainvillea, natal plum, ficus and even some sea grape over the years. If the roots are circling , I'd cut it off, and if in doubt, it may be best to not let the roots freeze this winter. In zone 8-a, that should not be a big problem. Just my 2 cents.

Sure looks like plenty...and radial? Good stuff; look forward to seeing it down the road.

I had to open up and recut a bridging cambium on a zelkova layer over the weekend. It had been long enough that I should have seen roots, and none were appearing. When I unwrapped it...it was nearly joined back! Hope it works, this one will be well on its way when it gets a set of roots!